Leonard Posted April 18, 2011 Report Posted April 18, 2011 Hi! I'm seeking information on my father's experiences in WW2; like many vets of that generation, he was reticent about it and we know very little---he passed away about 30 years ago. When I posted on a veterans site, a modeler (and member of IPMS/USA) was kind enough to suggest requesting information here. I'm trying to find out anything I can about where he flew (he was a navigator in the Pacific in a B-24 nose-arted "Bat Out of Hell". I know he was in 7th Air Force, 30 BG, 819th BS. The first two aircraft at this site (http://www.b24bestweb.com/Pics-B-BAT_OUT_OF_HELL-V1-V3.htm) meet that description. I know my father flew in the green version SN 42-73499, as he's in the accompanying photo. I believe he and the rest of the crew were transferred to the aluminum Bat Out Of Hell SN 44-40526; I was told by the same IPMS/USA member that it was likely the crew was moved to the aluminum B-24 after damage and "transferred" the name, nose art and bobming total to the new aircraft. If anyone can shed some light on the crew and flight record of the aluminum aircraft, I'd appreciate it! Thanks, LeonardB-24, dad\'s.bmp
VonL Posted April 19, 2011 Report Posted April 19, 2011 I've not seen the contents, but you definitely wanna take a look at the "What's New" section of this website. Osprey's "B-24 Units of the CBI" just happens to be brand new in there. While this book may, or may not include specific pix or info on your Dad's ride, it will have pix, aircraft profiles & info describing his group/squadron and their WWII combat record. I've got several of the books in this series and they are outstanding. Coincidence? I think NOT -! Another great source of info on specific aircraft & crews is usually the reunion website, newsletters and organization of the original groups and/or squadrons. You may even find guys that flew with him. HTH
JohnRatzenberger Posted April 19, 2011 Report Posted April 19, 2011 Google is your friend ... I tried 819th Bomb Squadron and came up with several hits, among them ... http://30thbg.1hwy.com/819thBS.html http://www.historyof...ment_Group.html Neither of which seem to have specific answers to your question, but may provide a start. This place seems to be a haven for USAAF -- lots of forums, info, relative-searching, etc -- it may be the best place to start: http://www.armyairforces.com/ In addition to what Bob mentioned there is an Osprey book "B-24 Liberator Units of the Pacific War" that may provide some information.
Leonard Posted April 19, 2011 Author Report Posted April 19, 2011 Yu guys are terrific! Thanks for the help and I'll follow your suggestions! Len
VonL Posted April 19, 2011 Report Posted April 19, 2011 ... there is an Osprey book "B-24 Liberator Units of the Pacific War" that may provide some information. Good call: This is the Osprey book you want, that will describe the desired group & squadron. I mistakenly put 7th AF, 30 BG & 819th BS in the CBI theater, which does not agree with the WESTPAC history on John's 819th BS link.
Leonard Posted April 19, 2011 Author Report Posted April 19, 2011 I just ordered a copy on Amazon---thanks for the help! Leonard
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